Man arrested for jewellery store heist

Ernest Waterworth, 85, was left with serious facial injuries after chasing the man from the jewellers. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Wellington police have made an arrest in relation to the brazen daylight robbery of a Tawa jewellers which left an 85-year-old man with serious facial injuries.

A 34-year-old man was arrested last night in connection to the theft of jewellery at Regent Jewellers almost a month ago, Detective Gareth Barnes said.

He has been charged with theft and would appear in Porirua District Court today.

A large quantity of jewellery was stolen, and Mr Barnes said further arrests were likely.

Jeweller Ernest Waterworth, 85, suffered facial injuries after struggling with a man thought to have been involved in the robbery.

Mr Waterworth chased after the man but tripped and suffered facial injuries. He was taken to hospital where stitches were inserted in his nose and mouth.

Shortly after the robbery Mr Waterworth said he did not think twice about chasing the robber, but did not think about what could have happened until later.

"I've gone over everything in my mind and thought, 'Could I have done anything better?' But had I got hold of him, who knows - he could have had a weapon and I could be worse off.''